Ancient Origins of Sharks

Sharks are some of the oldest creatures on Earth, with fossils dating back over 400 million years. That means they appeared during the Devonian Period, long before dinosaurs and even before trees existed. In comparison, the first trees evolved around 350 million years ago, making sharks at least 50 million years older. Their long survival shows how well-adapted they are as predators in the ocean environment.

Survival Through Time

Sharks have lived through multiple mass extinction events, including the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. Their ability to adapt, diverse species, and sharp senses have helped them thrive for hundreds of millions of years. Despite their ancient origins, many shark species are now threatened due to human activities like overfishing and pollution. Understanding their history can help us better appreciate and protect these fascinating survivors of deep time. Shutdown123